Football fans in Ebonyi on Monday gave the Super Eagles possible tips on Bosnia and Herzegovina and Argentina after watching both sides clash in the ongoing World Cup on Sunday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Argentina beat Bosnia 2-1 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and the Eagles are scheduled to meet them after clashing with Iran on Monday in Group F.
In separate interviews with NAN in Abakaliki, the fans urged the Eagles not to underrate both teams going by the quality of football they displayed on Sunday night.
Chief Obinna Ogba, a former Nigerian Football Association (NFA) Vice-Chairman, said that though Bosnia lost the match, it still showed it could compete with the world’s best.
“Bosnia matched Argentina skill for skill and technique for technique but Argentina carried the day due to the individual brilliance of their stars such as Lionel Messi and Angel De Maria.
“The Eagles should firstly ensure they win Iran and employ the massive attacking and defending system against Bosnia whose play ran for 90 minutes on Sunday,” he said.
Linus Esonwune, a football Analyst, said that Bosnia played with so much confidence and did not show respect for Argentina as the Eagles did in previous encounters with the South Americans.
“The team was well organised, especially in the defence and midfield and controlled the match in the last 20 minutes when it pressed for an equaliser.
“Its attack did not, however, show much potency, as the Eagles should capitalise on this and defend astutely while utilising every scoring opportunity when both sides meet,” he said.
Innocent Chima, Coach of Nehuda FC of Abakaliki, called on the Eagles not to show undue respect when it confronts Argentina as the team appeared beatable on Sunday night.
“The Eagles should get favourable results against Iran and Bosnia and approach the Argentine game as if the South Americans are the underdogs and not the reverse.
“Argentina showed that it was an individualistic side that had not yet blended as a team, and the Eagles should dictate the pace of game and take all opportunities when both teams meet,” he said.
Mr Obi Nwagabara, a student, also advised the Eagles to be cautious in their tackles against Argentina, adding that that the referee protected the Argentine superstars on Sunday.
“The referee penalised almost every contact on Argentine players by Bosnia, destabilising their game plan and resulting in the free kick that gave Argentina its first goal,” he said.
Bridget Enewali, a member of Ebonyi female team, called for prayers for the Eagles, saying that this year’s World Cup had been full of upsets so far.
“Costa Rica upset Uruguay, Colombia upset Greece and all these show that no side no matter how highly ranked, can be termed the favourite in any match until the end of 90 minutes,” he said.